Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary (St Mary's Cathedral) description and photos - Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (Topic)

Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary (St Mary's Cathedral) description and photos - Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is St Mary's Cathedral.

Photo and description

St. Mary's Anglican Cathedral is a fine example of British late Gothic, with every touch of which resembles a typical church of old England.

It is located at the far north of the square Independence or Merdeka Square, and is one of the oldest Anglican churches in Malaysia.

The first building of St. Mary's Church was wooden, it was built in 1887 on top of Bukit Aman hill. There is now the headquarters of the royal police. For a small Anglican community of that time, a modest room was enough. With the increase in the British presence in Malaysia, the question of building a new cathedral arose. The entire European society of Kuala Lumpur, even representatives of other faiths, collected funds for it. In early February 1894, the Anglican bishop of West Malaysia consecrated the first stone laid by the British governor. The selected church committee announced a competition for the best cathedral design. Ultimately, the design was approved by the government architect A.K. Norman - based on early English Gothic architecture.

The stone building of the church consists of a nave, which can simultaneously accommodate about 180 parishioners. The octagonal altar covers an area of over 60 square meters; the choir room can accommodate 20 people. In the middle of the 20th century, the cathedral was further expanded: a hall of anniversaries, offices for the ministers of the cathedral and living quarters for them were added to it.

The church was opened in 1895, nine years later an organ made by the famous Henry was installed in it Willis, British organist and creator of these instruments. This invaluable organ was badly damaged during the floods of 1925-1926. It was restored by James Riddell, supposedly a disciple of the Henry Willis dynasty and sons. After the Second World War, this master again had to restore the organ.

In the old days, this beautiful church, decorated with stained glass windows and columns, every Sunday received numerous European parishioners. And today, traditional Sunday liturgies are held here for the now small Anglican diocese.

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Topic: Anglican Cathedral of St. Mary (St Mary's Cathedral) description and photos - Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur.